Page 1 of 125
Texas Vehicle Emissions Inspector Exam Questions
and Correct Answers with EXPLANATIONS LATEST
THIS YEAR
Texas Vehicle Emissions Inspector Exam
Exam Coverage Summary: OBDII system operation and diagnostics, inspection procedures for
designated vehicles, Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) protocols, readiness monitors and Diagnostic
Trouble Codes (DTCs), gas cap and evaporative system testing, emissions waivers and extensions, safety
requirements for inspectors, and Texas emissions statutes (TAC Title 37).
1. A customer brings in a 2018 Toyota Camry for inspection. The vehicle has a flashing Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) on the dashboard. What does this condition indicate, and what is the proper
response?
A) The vehicle is ready for testing; proceed with OBDII scan
B) A catalyst-damaging condition exists; the vehicle should be failed and the operator cautioned against
driving
C) The gas cap is loose; tighten and retest
D) The oil needs to be changed immediately
Rationale: A flashing MIL indicates a severe engine misfire that could damage the catalytic converter; the
vehicle must fail and the driver should be warned not to operate it .
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2. Which agency has primary oversight authority for the Texas vehicle emissions inspection program?
A) Texas Environmental Quality Board
B) Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
C) Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
D) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Rationale: The Texas DPS manages the vehicle inspection program, including emissions testing
requirements and inspector licensing .
3. A 2002 Ford F-250 with a GVWR of 9,000 lbs comes to your station. The owner asks if this vehicle
requires an OBDII emissions test. What do you tell them?
A) Yes, because model year 2002 requires testing
B) No, vehicles over 8,500 lbs GVWR are not required to have a DLC or emissions testing
C) Yes, but only a gas cap test is required
D) No, only diesel vehicles under 8,500 lbs are tested
Rationale: OBDII systems are required on 1996 and newer gasoline vehicles with GVWR of 8,500 lbs or
less; vehicles over 8,500 lbs GVWR are not required to have a Diagnostic Link Connector .
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4. During an OBDII inspection, you connect your scan tool and find that the vehicle has two monitors set
to "Not Ready." The vehicle is a 1999 Chevrolet. According to Texas regulations, should this vehicle pass
or fail?
A) Pass, because 1996-2000 vehicles may have up to two monitors not ready
B) Fail, because any monitor not ready causes an automatic failure
C) Pass, only if the MIL is not illuminated
D) Fail, because 1999 vehicles require all monitors to be ready
*Rationale: OBD-equipped vehicles model year 1996 through 2000 may have up to two monitors set to
"Not Ready" and still pass the emissions test .*
5. A customer arrives with a 2021 Tesla Model 3. What emissions testing is required for this vehicle in
Texas?
A) Full OBDII emissions inspection
B) Gas cap integrity test only
C) No emissions testing; electric vehicles are exempt
D) Opacity smoke test
, Page 4 of 125
Rationale: Electric vehicles (EVs) produce no tailpipe emissions and are exempt from emissions testing
requirements .
6. What is the primary purpose of the Texas vehicle emissions inspection program?
A) To enforce traffic speed limits and driving behavior
B) To reduce air pollution from motor vehicles by identifying high-emitting vehicles
C) To monitor fuel economy and promote efficient vehicles
D) To ensure correct tire pressure for fuel efficiency
Rationale: The emissions program focuses on reducing pollutants such as NOx, CO, and HC from vehicles
to improve air quality .
7. You are inspecting a 2005 Honda Civic. When you turn the ignition key to the "Key-On, Engine-Off"
(KOEO) position, the MIL does not illuminate at all. What is the correct outcome?
A) Pass, because the light only matters when the engine is running
B) Pass, if the scan tool shows no DTCs
C) Fail, because the OBDII system cannot alert the driver to problems if the MIL does not work
D) Pass, but note the condition on the inspection report
Texas Vehicle Emissions Inspector Exam Questions
and Correct Answers with EXPLANATIONS LATEST
THIS YEAR
Texas Vehicle Emissions Inspector Exam
Exam Coverage Summary: OBDII system operation and diagnostics, inspection procedures for
designated vehicles, Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) protocols, readiness monitors and Diagnostic
Trouble Codes (DTCs), gas cap and evaporative system testing, emissions waivers and extensions, safety
requirements for inspectors, and Texas emissions statutes (TAC Title 37).
1. A customer brings in a 2018 Toyota Camry for inspection. The vehicle has a flashing Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) on the dashboard. What does this condition indicate, and what is the proper
response?
A) The vehicle is ready for testing; proceed with OBDII scan
B) A catalyst-damaging condition exists; the vehicle should be failed and the operator cautioned against
driving
C) The gas cap is loose; tighten and retest
D) The oil needs to be changed immediately
Rationale: A flashing MIL indicates a severe engine misfire that could damage the catalytic converter; the
vehicle must fail and the driver should be warned not to operate it .
, Page 2 of 125
2. Which agency has primary oversight authority for the Texas vehicle emissions inspection program?
A) Texas Environmental Quality Board
B) Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
C) Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
D) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Rationale: The Texas DPS manages the vehicle inspection program, including emissions testing
requirements and inspector licensing .
3. A 2002 Ford F-250 with a GVWR of 9,000 lbs comes to your station. The owner asks if this vehicle
requires an OBDII emissions test. What do you tell them?
A) Yes, because model year 2002 requires testing
B) No, vehicles over 8,500 lbs GVWR are not required to have a DLC or emissions testing
C) Yes, but only a gas cap test is required
D) No, only diesel vehicles under 8,500 lbs are tested
Rationale: OBDII systems are required on 1996 and newer gasoline vehicles with GVWR of 8,500 lbs or
less; vehicles over 8,500 lbs GVWR are not required to have a Diagnostic Link Connector .
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4. During an OBDII inspection, you connect your scan tool and find that the vehicle has two monitors set
to "Not Ready." The vehicle is a 1999 Chevrolet. According to Texas regulations, should this vehicle pass
or fail?
A) Pass, because 1996-2000 vehicles may have up to two monitors not ready
B) Fail, because any monitor not ready causes an automatic failure
C) Pass, only if the MIL is not illuminated
D) Fail, because 1999 vehicles require all monitors to be ready
*Rationale: OBD-equipped vehicles model year 1996 through 2000 may have up to two monitors set to
"Not Ready" and still pass the emissions test .*
5. A customer arrives with a 2021 Tesla Model 3. What emissions testing is required for this vehicle in
Texas?
A) Full OBDII emissions inspection
B) Gas cap integrity test only
C) No emissions testing; electric vehicles are exempt
D) Opacity smoke test
, Page 4 of 125
Rationale: Electric vehicles (EVs) produce no tailpipe emissions and are exempt from emissions testing
requirements .
6. What is the primary purpose of the Texas vehicle emissions inspection program?
A) To enforce traffic speed limits and driving behavior
B) To reduce air pollution from motor vehicles by identifying high-emitting vehicles
C) To monitor fuel economy and promote efficient vehicles
D) To ensure correct tire pressure for fuel efficiency
Rationale: The emissions program focuses on reducing pollutants such as NOx, CO, and HC from vehicles
to improve air quality .
7. You are inspecting a 2005 Honda Civic. When you turn the ignition key to the "Key-On, Engine-Off"
(KOEO) position, the MIL does not illuminate at all. What is the correct outcome?
A) Pass, because the light only matters when the engine is running
B) Pass, if the scan tool shows no DTCs
C) Fail, because the OBDII system cannot alert the driver to problems if the MIL does not work
D) Pass, but note the condition on the inspection report
